We recently took our final trip to the airport to drop off the family, and the holiday decorations are now put away. Looking around the house at this start of the new year, it’s clear that it’s time to clear some space. You know, make way for the new. Becausethereisnospaceforanyofthethings.
This wonderful city makes it so easy to donate clothes and other goods with the plentiful drop boxes around town, and if you’re anything like me, when there’s extra stuff around the house, getting rid of it becomes priority number one — it’s so easy to make up a couple bags and drop them across the street or on the way to the gym. I will confess, I have often not even read the side of the bin to see who is benefiting from my donations.
But there are some awesome places around town that will use your previously used goods to work toward accomplishing a meaningful mission. Here’s a list of a few of those places that will help your formerly loved things become new again.
Cradles to Crayons provides children from birth through age 12, living in homeless or low-income situations, with the essential items they need to thrive — at home, at school, and at play. Cradles to Crayons supplies our donated items free of charge by engaging and connecting communities that have with communities that need.
Location: 155 North Beacon St., Brighton
Drop off: Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Accepted items: Kids clothing, shoes, books, kids equipment, new arts and crafts, new baby supplies, and new hygiene items
Rosie’s Place was founded in 1974 as the first women’s shelter in the U.S. Their mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment that helps poor and homeless women maintain their dignity, seek opportunity, and find security in their lives.
Location: 889 Harrison Ave., Boston
Drop off: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Accepted items: Art supplies, in-season women’s clothing, kids clothing, books, food, gently used bedding, toiletries
The Thrift Shop of Boston is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the children and families served by The Home for Little Wanderers. Their mission is to ensure the healthy behavioral, emotional, social, and educational development and physical well-being of children and families living in at-risk circumstances.
Location: 33 Corinth St., Roslindale
Drop off: Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Accepted items: Furniture, household items, framed art, collectibles, new toys
